Count Joe Namath among those growing more skeptical about the New York Jets’ future under coach Rex Ryan.

With Ryan retooling much of his staff, no general manager in place, and the quarterback situation in flux, Namath does not see much reason to believe better days are ahead following a 6-10 season.

“I’m certainly less optimistic about the Jets than I have been in the past,” Namath said during a telephone interview with Sporting News. “The question you have to ask is: 'Is Rex providing the kind of leadership you want? Is this the kind of leadership that creates a disciplined team?’ I don’t think so.

“In Rex’s first year, I said I had never been a part of a situation that used his style of leadership, and I hope it works. They got to the playoffs both of the first two years and did well, but things have gone downhill since.”

Namath said he was not surprised that Ryan kept his job, believing the success he had during his first two seasons with the Jets has sold owner Woody Johnson.

“When you’ve won over half your games and you’re 4-2 in the playoffs, and you get to the AFC championship game twice, it’s hard to justify getting rid of a guy,” Namath said. “But this is a tough situation the Jets have gotten themselves into with their salary cap, with the head coach’s contract, with Mark Sanchez’s contract.”

A number of Ryan’s former assistant coaches have either been fired or have moved on since the season ended, including the offensive coordinator, the defensive coordinator, the special teams coordinator, and the linebackers coach. Assistant head coach/linebackers coach Bob Sutton became the latest assistant to leave, when he departed Friday to become the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator.

The New York Daily News reported Friday that the Jets would interview Cam Cameron as a possible replacement for Tony Sparano, who was fired this week as offensive coordinator.

Namath views the upheaval within Ryan’s coaching staff as another warning sign.

“I wouldn’t necessarily call it jumping ship, but it’s a unique ship that they’re leaving,” said Namath, who was promoting his website, BroadwayJoe.tv, and his new “Broadway Joe” low-calorie drink (broadwayjoesdrink.com).

“Rex Ryan can fill you up with hyperbole, but it’s a style we haven’t seen before and probably for good reason. This isn’t about hyperbole. It’s reality. And I like Rex. I got along well with his dad (Buddy Ryan), who I know better than I know Rex. But it’s not a matter of personal like or dislike. I’m just looking at the situation.”

And like many Jets fans, when Namath looks at the team now, he wonders if things will improve anytime soon.